Product Description
Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart, Common Bleeding Heart
Every bit as charming as the pink form, 'Alba' forms large, bushy clumps of powdery-light green foliage comprised of cut or lobed leaves on fleshy stems. In late spring, chains of puffy, white, heart-shaped flowers dangle beneath the arching, leafless stems. These racemes make delightful additions to fresh bouquets, lasting about 2 weeks in a vase. In cooler climates with adequate moisture, the bloom time may be extended into early summer.
After putting on this fantastic display, Old-Fashioned Bleeding Hearts usually go dormant until the following spring. However, if plants are kept well-watered during the spring, dormancy may be delayed until late summer or early fall. Other bushy perennials, such as Hosta, Geranium, or Sedge, should be planted nearby to fill in the resulting gaps.
Dicentra is most at home in woodland settings. It likes rich, loose soil that is evenly moist but also well-drained. At planting time, add lots of compost, humus, or peat moss to the soil to enhance its water retention capabilities. Plants will not grow well in heavy clay soils.
Dicentra should be planted in locations that are protected from high winds and early frosts, such as the edges of woodlands or on the north or east sides of buildings. It may be propagated by division in either spring or fall, taking great care to keep the fleshy roots intact when transplanting. If spent flowers are not removed, small pods develop and drop their seeds when mature and dry. If these seeds are left undisturbed, they will germinate the following spring. The resulting plantlets are easy to transplant while they are still small but they may not resemble the parent plant exactly.
Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 1993
Zones 3 to 9;
Part shade to full shade.
Mature size 30-inch height, spreads 18 to 36 inches.
Flower Color: White Shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Spring
Attracts Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Rapid
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Specimen, Focal Point
Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba', commonly known as the White Bleeding Heart, is a captivating perennial that adds a touch of ethereal beauty to any shade garden. Its delicate, heart-shaped white flowers dangle gracefully from arching stems, creating a mesmerizing display that has enchanted gardeners for centuries. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to cultivate and care for your own Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba', ensuring its pristine blooms grace your garden year after year.
Plant Characteristics Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' is a cultivar of the Dicentra spectabilis species, which originates from Siberia, northern China, Korea, and Japan. This elegant plant typically grows in a clump, reaching a height of 24-30 inches and a width of 18-36 inches. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9. One of the most striking features of Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' is its unique foliage. The fern-like leaves are a fresh green color, providing a lush backdrop for the pristine white flowers. Unlike other Dicentra species, 'Alba' boasts pure white flowers and glaucous foliage, adding to its distinctive charm. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer, gracing the garden with their beauty for several weeks. After this initial display, the plant typically enters a period of dormancy, especially in warmer climates. During this time, the foliage may yellow and die back, but the plant will re-emerge with renewed vigor in the following spring.
Ideal Growing Conditions To ensure your Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' flourishes, it is crucial to provide it with the optimal growing conditions.
- Sunlight Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' thrives in partial shade, where it receives dappled sunlight throughout the day. It can also tolerate full shade, and in cooler northern zones, it may even thrive in full sun, provided the soil is kept consistently moist. Ideally, it prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. Providing shade is essential for this plant as excessive direct sunlight can cause it to go dormant prematurely and shorten its blooming period. The shade also helps to maintain the cool, moist conditions that this woodland plant prefers.
- Soil Well-drained soil is crucial for Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba'. It thrives in humus-rich soil that is moist but not waterlogged. The humus provides essential nutrients and helps to retain moisture, creating an ideal environment for the plant's roots. Amending the soil with compost, humus, or peat moss at planting time can further enhance its water retention capabilities. Avoid heavy clay soils, as they can hinder proper drainage and lead to root rot.
- Watering Consistent moisture is essential for Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba', especially during the growing season. Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
Care and Maintenance
- Watering Maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the growing season, watering regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilizing If your soil is rich in organic matter, fertilization may not be necessary. However, if your soil is poor, apply an all-purpose, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to provide the plant with the nutrients it needs.
- Mulching Applying a two-inch layer of mulch around the plant can help to retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth.
- Pruning Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' does not require regular pruning. However, you can cut back the plant to the ground after the foliage has turned yellow and wilted in late spring or early summer. This can encourage new growth and potentially lead to a second bloom later in the season.
- Toxicity While Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' is a beautiful addition to the garden, it is important to be aware that all parts of the plant are toxic to humans and animals if ingested. The foliage may also cause skin irritation in some individuals. Therefore, it's advisable to wear gloves when handling the plant and to keep it out of reach of children and pets.
- Pests and Diseases Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' is generally disease-free but can occasionally be affected by fungal diseases such as downy mildew and rust. If you notice any signs of disease, treat the plant with an appropriate fungicide. The plant may also be susceptible to pests like aphids, slugs, and snails. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests.
- Propagation Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' can be propagated through division, root cuttings, or seeds.
- Division Divide the plant every 2-5 years in early spring or fall. Carefully dig up the plant and divide it with a sharp shovel or garden knife, ensuring each portion has at least one bud.
- Root Cuttings Take root cuttings in winter. Water the plant thoroughly the night before, then carefully excavate to find a healthy, thick root with at least two nodes. Plant the cutting in a growing medium and keep it moist in low light.
- Seeds Collect seeds in summer or early autumn and sow them fresh. For indoor sowing, place the seeds in a pot of soil, put the pot in a plastic bag, and place it in the freezer for 6 to 8 weeks. Remove the pot and gradually reintroduce it to light and warmer conditions to encourage germination.
Companion Plants Since Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' may go dormant in the summer, consider planting it among other perennials that will fill in the space and provide continued interest. Here are some excellent companion plants:
| Companion Plant | Benefits/Characteristics |
| Hosta | Provides contrasting foliage textures and colors |
| Astilbe | Adds feathery plumes of flowers in a variety of colors |
| Pulmonaria (lungwort) | Offers early spring blooms and attractive spotted foliage |
| Heuchera (coral bells) | Provides a wide range of foliage colors and textures |
| Ferns | Adds a lush, woodland feel and tolerates similar growing conditions |
Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba', with its exquisite white heart-shaped flowers and graceful arching stems, is a true gem in the shade garden. By understanding its unique characteristics and providing it with the ideal growing conditions, you can ensure this captivating perennial thrives and brings a touch of elegance to your outdoor space. Remember to plant it in partial shade, provide well-drained, humus-rich soil, and maintain consistent moisture. With proper care, your Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' will reward you with its enchanting blooms for many years to come, creating a serene and captivating atmosphere in your garden.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
